KOTA KINABALU: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has voiced growing concern over rising safety issues in Sabah’s tourism sector.
In a
Facebook post on Wednesday, he said numerous complaints had been received regarding misconduct and illegal activities at several tourist locations, which could affect the industry’s safety reputation.
He recently led a joint inspection operation in Tawau involving his ministry’s licensing and enforcement division, the Immigration Department, police, and other agencies.
The two-day operation included checks on 30 tourist buses and vehicles, 15 tourism business premises, 40 boats, and four jetties, resulting in summonses for nine offences.
Findings revealed that some companies, appearing locally owned, were operated by foreign investors, including those from China, and were involved in unlicensed activities such as operating water chalets, aquaculture, and homestays on agricultural or farming land.
Tiong urged local authorities to take swift action against unlicensed operators and stressed that while foreign investment is welcome, it must comply fully with Malaysian laws and regulations.
He warned that operators found to be violating rules could have their licences permanently revoked and reminded local tourism players not to risk their livelihoods by misusing or lending licences for profit.
